Indian Coconut Chicken Curry (Quick & Easy Recipe!) (2024)

This Indian Coconut Chicken Curry recipe is so flavorful, healthy, and easy to make. It makes an ideal dinner for busy weeknights, because it is ready to eat in just 30 minutes. Learn how to make homemade coconut chicken curry with this quick and simple recipe that is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Indian Coconut Chicken Curry (Quick & Easy Recipe!) (1)

Coconut Chicken Curry: An Easy Indian Dinner

You are going to adore this rich, creamy curry made with chicken, coconut milk, and fresh spinach. It is absolutely bursting with spicy and exotic flavor. Additionally, this chicken curry recipe is packed with protein and is delightfully easy to make. It makes an ideal weeknight dinner, because it delivers maximum flavor in minimal time.

I recommend serving this nutritious Indian coconut chicken curry with cooked basmati rice or warm naan bread for a balanced, satisfying meal. For a low-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice.

This recipe would be great for entertaining or taking along to a potluck. Since it is naturally paleo, Whole30, and gluten-free, it is suitable for many people following special diets. It is also perfect for meal prepping, so feel free to make a batch ahead of time to have on hand for the coming week.

Normally when you read Indian curry recipes, they include a large number of spices in the ingredient list that many people don’t readily have on hand. So, I developed a recipe that uses curry powder, which contains a variety of fragrant Indian spices that have been ground up and mixed together in one convenient package. Only a small amount of curry powder is used in this recipe. That way the chicken curry has just the slightest hint of warm Indian spices, without overpowering the rest of the flavors in the dish.

Indian Coconut Chicken Curry (Quick & Easy Recipe!) (2)

How to Make Indian Coconut Chicken Curry

This chicken curry with coconut milk is one of those recipes that tastes like you’ve simmered it gently for hours. Luckily, it takes less time to make than your favorite Indian restaurant takes to deliver. To make this homemade chicken curry with coconut milk recipe, simply:

  1. Make the flavor base: Cook the onion, garlic, ginger, and curry powder in a bit of coconut oil until fragrant.
  2. Cook the chicken: Saute the chicken until it is almost cooked through.
  3. Pour in the liquids: Add the crushed tomatoes and coconut milk, then simmer.
  4. Stir in the spinach: Season the curry sauce with S&P to taste, then add in the spinach.
  5. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired, then serve with rice and/or naan bread.

And there you have it! This is truly a quick and easy Indian curry recipe that is seriously delicious. See the full recipe below for detailed ingredient amounts and complete instructions/directions.

Possible Recipe Variations

This coconut chicken curry recipe is incredibly flexible with regards to variations. For example, feel free to…

  • Add more seasoning: For a more intense curry flavor, you can increase the amount of curry powder to your liking or add in some garam masala.
  • Use different greens: Kale or collard greens would also be delicious in place of the spinach.
  • Add some heat: To give the curry a more piquant flavor, you can add in a few pinches of cayenne powder or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Add extra veggies: Feel free to toss in any other mild curry-friendly veggies that you have on hand, such as bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, or peas.

Those are just a few suggestions, so feel free to experiment with whatever ingredient swaps or additions that sound good to you. 🙂

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Indian Coconut Chicken Curry (Quick & Easy Recipe!) (3)

Can You Freeze Chicken Coconut Curry?

Absolutely, this curry recipe freezes beautifully. I recommend separating a batch/leftovers into smaller portions in freezer-safe containers and then placing the containers in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator or out on the counter for quick dinners during extra-busy weeknights.

For this Indian Coconut Chicken Curry recipe, I recommend:

Here are a some pantry staples that I suggest using to ensure this coconut chicken curry recipe turns out perfect. All of these ingredients can be ordered online from Thrive Market, which is an online retailer that sells healthy, organic food at wholesale prices. I like to think of it like Amazon (online marketplace) meets Costco (wholesale prices) meets Whole Foods (all wholesome, junk-free foods).

  • Thrive Market Curry Powder – This is the curry powder I use! The quality is excellent and it gives a rich, fragrant, and well-rounded flavor to soups and curries.
  • Organic Coconut Milk– I love the richness and consistency of this full-fat coconut milk. It adds so much body and richness to curries and soups.
  • Nutiva Coconut Oil – I always use this unrefined, virgin, and organic coconut oil for optimal flavor and health benefits.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the above items, you’ll need to get a Thrive Market membership. However, if you’re a reader of my website, you will get an exclusive bonus when you sign up:

Click here to get a FREE grocery gift, valued up to $60, when you join Thrive Market!

Indian Coconut Chicken Curry (Quick & Easy Recipe!) (4)

More Coconut Curry Recipes

Craving more tasty coconut curry dishes? Here are some of my favorite recipes on the blog:

  • Coconut Lentil Curry
  • Thai Coconut Curry Rice
  • Indian Coconut Chickpea Curry
  • Shrimp Coconut Curry
  • Curry Coconut Pumpkin Soup

If you make this easy Indian Coconut Chicken Curry recipe, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating ★ below, because I love hearing from you! ♡

Indian Coconut Chicken Curry (Quick & Easy Recipe!) (5)

Indian Coconut Chicken Curry (Quick & Easy Recipe!)

Alia Kay

This Indian Coconut Chicken Curry recipe is so flavorful, healthy, and easy to make. Best of all, it is ready to eat in just 30 minutes!

4.77 from 17 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 383 calories

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
  • 4 cups chopped packed fresh spinach
  • Optional garnish: Chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Notes

  1. Serve your coconut chicken curry with rice or naan for a satisfying meal.
  2. If possible, I highly recommend using organic, pasture-raised chicken in this recipe for maximum health benefits.
  3. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for about a week or can be frozen for up to three months.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Indian Coconut Chicken Curry (Quick & Easy Recipe!)

Amount per Serving

Calories

383

% Daily Value*

Fat

28

g

43

%

Saturated Fat

22

g

138

%

Trans Fat

0.01

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

2

g

Cholesterol

73

mg

24

%

Sodium

171

mg

7

%

Potassium

893

mg

26

%

Carbohydrates

9

g

3

%

Fiber

2

g

8

%

Sugar

2

g

2

%

Protein

28

g

56

%

Vitamin A

2864

IU

57

%

Vitamin C

17

mg

21

%

Calcium

72

mg

7

%

Iron

5

mg

28

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keyword Coconut Chicken Curry, Indian Chicken Curry, Indian Coconut Chicken Curry

Did you try this recipe?Let me know what you thought!

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You May Also Like...

  • Indian Coconut Lentil Curry (Easy Vegan Recipe!)
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Indian Coconut Chicken Curry (Quick & Easy Recipe!) (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to the best Indian curry? ›

Build a deep flavour

The three core ingredients of almost any Indian curry are garlic, onion and ginger. There are a few styles of curries that don't use garlic to ensure subtle flavour isn't overwhelmed, but it's a good rule of thumb that those three ingredients are likely to be included.

How to make Indian curry more creamy? ›

Yoghurt or heavy cream:

To achieve a creamy, tangy curry sauce, incorporate yoghurt or heavy cream. Stir them in gently, as high heat may cause curdling. These ingredients are ideal for creating a luxurious texture in dishes like butter chicken or tikka masala.

At what point do you add coconut milk to curry? ›

Once the spices and veg have cooked, add in the coconut milk and a couple cups of chicken stock. Turn the heat up so it comes to a boil and then lower to about medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes. Just until it starts to thicken! I normally do 10 minutes, but if you like a really thick sauce, take it longer.

Can you use coconut cream instead of coconut milk in curry? ›

It is thicker, has a higher fat content and is scoop-able throughout. Coconut milk and cream are mostly interchangeable in recipes such as curries and soups. If you prefer a richer flavour and texture, try coconut cream or vice versa. However, be careful when substituting coconut milk and cream in baked goods.

What is the most important spice in curry? ›

Fenugreek (Methi)

This Indian spice is what people say "smells like curry." Of all Indian spices, this spice may be the most essential. You may use up to a few tablespoons in a family size dish near the end of the cooking process, but start with a teaspoon. Fenugreek seeds also have many health benefits.

What thickens Indian curry? ›

Pureed Vegetables

Boiled vegetables can be made into a thick paste/ puree and then added to the sauce. Potatoes, squash, carrots, and other root vegetables can be used. The addition of vegetables thickens the curry sauce while reducing the also balancing out the heat of the curry.

What is the secret ingredient in Indian curry? ›

TURMERIC. That is the go to spice in any South Indian kitchen to enhance a dish.

Does coconut milk thicken curry? ›

Coconut Cream or Coconut Milk: Whisk in 2-4 tablespoons of full-fat blended coconut milk or cream. Simmer until slightly thickened. Coconut cream is best used for Thai or Southeast Asian curries.

How do you thicken coconut curry? ›

Cornflour

Ideal for Chinese sauces or Thai curries but can also be used for Indian curries. Add one tablespoon of cornflour to two or three tablespoons of cold water and stir. Pour the mixture into the sauce and allow to simmer until the sauce begins to thicken. Which doesn't take very long.

Is canned coconut milk the same as coconut cream? ›

Coconut Cream vs Coconut Milk

Compared to normal coconut milk, coconut cream has a much higher fat content, containing around 19-22% fat. Coconut cream still retains the delicious coconut flavor that coconut milk has, but is much thicker as it is essentially coconut milk with less water.

Do you put coconut milk or yogurt in curry? ›

A dish could use both: yogurt marinade then a bit of cream to finish. For richness and a hint of sweetness along with a wonderful aroma, coconut can't be beat but will be a discernable flavor in most curries. Many restaurants are making use of coconut where it is less than traditional with good results.

How do you keep coconut milk from splitting in curry? ›

Tip. Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to a dish to prevent curdling of coconut milk. Adding cornstarch will also thicken the sauce, so don't use it if you're making a dish that requires a thin sauce.

What happens if you use coconut cream instead of coconut milk? ›

Can You Replace Coconut Cream with Coconut Milk? The good news about coconut cream and coconut milk is that although they may be different consistencies, they're very similar. You can use coconut cream in place of milk if you dilute it with additional water. Different coconut cream brands vary on fat content.

Can I use evaporated milk instead of coconut milk in curry? ›

Half-and-half or heavy cream

Like evaporated milk, heavy cream and half-and-half are good substitutes for coconut milk, too.

What is the secret ingredient in curry? ›

Whether you may be familiar with the differences between curries from various countries, such as Indian versus Japanese curry, and perhaps even know how to make them at home, there's a special flavor enhancer that you may not have thought to add: honey.

What gives Indian curry its taste? ›

A curry mix has a warm, robust spicy taste as a result of combining roasted and grounded coriander seeds, turmeric, cumin and chili peppers. Other spices commonly found within the blend are fenugreek, clove, mustard, black pepper, nutmeg or ginger.

What is the most flavourful Indian curry? ›

10 Best Curries to Try
  • Goan. This dish is a combination of spices and flavors that are unique to the region of Goa in India. ...
  • Dhansak. Dhansak Curry is a popular Indian dish that originated in the state of Maharashtra in India. ...
  • Rajma Masala. ...
  • Bhuna Gosht. ...
  • Kerala. ...
  • Massaman. ...
  • Thai Red Curry. ...
  • Thai Green Curry.
Dec 20, 2022

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